Paihau-Robinson Research Institute

'We saw an opportunity – bottlenecks to routine deep space access, thruster technology developed by the team that can solve those, and a unique advantage.    'When you see how important space is for our lives on earth already, it’s truly impressive, and the future is shaping up to be transformational yet again. By spinning out as a company, we can have a big impact shaping the future.'   Dr Benjamin Mallett did his PhD in #Physics at Victoria University of Wellington. He is co-founder of #startup company JxB space systems – a #spinout from Paihau-Robinson Research Institute - making #superconducting #plasma #thrusters for spacecraft. #deepresearch #deeptech #innovation #technology #space #OurInspiredOneHundred https://lnkd.in/grqsDUg8

At the World of Tech Expo organised by the Hutt Valey Chamber of Commerce, Paihau-Robinson Research Institute was thrilled to inspire local school students by showcasing groundbreaking research in superconductivity and space research. The exhibit drew large crowds, with students engaging eagerly, asking questions, and laughing at the funny satellite plasma thruster smoke machine demo. Our goal? To ignite curiosity and show young minds the exciting possibilities in science and technology. We hope that, through this experience, these rangatira are now more curious about pursuing globally leading-edge research and innovations. Who knows? We might have glimpsed the future of science in the bright eyes of tomorrow’s scientists!   #ScienceEducation #FutureScientists #PaihauRobinson #WorldOfTech #STEM

Recent news about magnets has emerged from China and the Paihau-Robinson Research Institute, highlighting breakthroughs in magnetics and superconductivity.

We're proud to offer transformative STEM bootcamps for our rangatahi, ensuring that future generations of scientists in Aotearoa New Zealand are well supported. Our recent collaboration with Tauhara North No. 2 Trust gave students an immersive week of activities, exploring a range of disciplines and career opportunities in STEM. A huge thank you to all the facilitators for their exceptional mahi. Your dedication has inspired our rangatahi, and we're already seeing past bootcamp students achieve milestones like PhDs and scholarships. Let’s continue nurturing the bright minds of tomorrow!  #STEM #bootcamp #PaihauRobinsonResearchInstitute #rangatahi

Meet Sashin, a passionate aerospace engineer originally from Sri Lanka whose journey in space exploration began with childhood documentaries. Now pursuing his PhD at Paihau-Robinson Research Institute, Sashin is researching plasma instabilities in electric propulsion systems—work that could revolutionise long-term space travel. His path has taken him from the U.S. to New Zealand, where he is thriving in Wellington's vibrant, multicultural environment. Watch Sashin share his story in the video or read the full article on the university's website. https://lnkd.in/g8aYkekg #SpaceResearch #Superconductors #WellingtonSpaceTech #RobinsonResearchInstitute https://lnkd.in/gMFapqMm

Exciting times for the Paihau–Robinson Research Institute’s Space Research Team! What began as a bold venture into the unknown almost a decade ago, driven by our passion for superconductivity, has now evolved into a world-class team ready to push the boundaries of space technology through an in-space demonstration of magnet technology. Our journey in space applications started with a partnership with an international aerospace company back in 2017, awakening us to the possibilities for conduction cooled superconductors in space. This success propelled us to explore new possibilities in space research. Dr Jakub Glowacki joined us in 2018, becoming a key figure in advancing in-space propulsion using superconducting materials, bringing us closer to the stars. Shortly after, with collaborators at University of Auckland and Canterbury as well as experts from IDS Consulting and Asteria Engineering Consultancy we landed a MBIE Endeavour grant to develop superconductor enabled electric propulsion. We also established a collaboration with the prestigious aerospace research group at Nagoya University accelerating application of superconductors to propulsion systems in laboratory tests. With the support of the MBIE grant, we embarked on the Hēki Mission—developing a superconductive magnet set to be tested aboard the International Space Station. Along the way, we attracted top talent, including Randy Pollock, our Chief Scientist, and Senior Principal Engineer Betina Pavri from NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory. Their expertise has further strengthened our global standing in space research. In the photo, you can see how far we’ve come. Our team has grown from a small group of visionaries to a pioneering force poised to make New Zealand a leader in space exploration. Gathered around the Hēki test magnet, we’re preparing for its exciting journey to the International Space Station next year. #SpaceResearch #HēkiMission #InternationalSpaceStation #Superconductors #WellingtonSpaceTech #RobinsonResearchInstitute #MBIE #AerospaceNewZealand #NewZealandSpaceAgency

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿Swansea based start-up HyFlux partners with 🇳🇿New Zealand researchers to develop zero-emission aircraft engine. HyFlux Ltd, a pioneering company in advanced propulsion technologies, has announced a strategic partnership with the Paihau-Robinson Research Institute, Victoria University of Wellington, and Wellington UniVentures. This collaboration aims to decarbonise transport, beginning with lightweight aviation motors and propulsion systems, leveraging the potential of cryogenic hydrogen to drive superconducting technologies for sustainable aviation. This collaboration unites HyFlux’s cutting-edge innovations in superconducting motor technology with the world-class research expertise of the Paihau-Robinson Research Institute, led by Professor Rodney Badcock. Together they aim to push the boundaries of lightweight aviation propulsion systems that use cryogenic green hydrogen, addressing one of the most critical challenges in decarbonising aviation. Thanks to our good friend Paul Perera for the original post. Full story attached: https://lnkd.in/gwdEvpk3

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿Swansea based start-up HyFlux partners with 🇳🇿New Zealand researchers to develop zero-emission aircraft engine. HyFlux Ltd, a pioneering company in advanced propulsion technologies, has announced a strategic partnership with the Paihau-Robinson Research Institute, Victoria University of Wellington, and Wellington UniVentures. This collaboration aims to decarbonise transport, beginning with lightweight aviation motors and propulsion systems, leveraging the potential of cryogenic hydrogen to drive superconducting technologies for sustainable aviation. This collaboration unites HyFlux’s cutting-edge innovations in superconducting motor technology with the world-class research expertise of the Paihau-Robinson Research Institute, led by Professor Rodney Badcock. Together they aim to push the boundaries of lightweight aviation propulsion systems that use cryogenic green hydrogen, addressing one of the most critical challenges in decarbonising aviation. Thanks to our good friend Paul Perera for the original post. Full story attached: https://lnkd.in/gwdEvpk3

Taking Flight with True Zero emissions Engine - HyFlux partners with Paihau-Robinson Research Institute HyFlux announced at #EFATS a strategic partnership with the Paihau-Robinson Research Institute, Victoria University of Wellington and Wellington UniVentures. This collaboration is focused on decarbonising transport by developing lightweight aviation motors and propulsion systems using superconducting technology and cryogenic hydrogen. HyFlux’s Co-Founder Paul Perera emphasised the importance of the partnership in advancing zero-emission aviation, with plans to expand the technology to other forms of transport. Professor Rodney Badcock of the Paihau-Robinson Research Institute noted the collaboration’s potential to accelerate the development and certification of these groundbreaking technologies for aerospace, while Pierre Malou of Wellington UniVentures praised the institute’s history of transforming research into commercial success. This collaboration includes an experienced team from Airbus, BAE Systems, Rolls-Royce, Siemens and GKN Aerospace, aiming to address both CO2 and non-CO2 emissions in aviation and maritime sectors. HyFlux and its partners believe the project will significantly contribute to sustainable global transportation, with the support of government policies and industry groups such as the UK’s Jet Zero Council. More photos 👇 #HyFlux #Superconducting #Motors #Superconductor #Spinout

We are thrilled to announce that Professor Rod Badcock of the Paihau-Robinson Research Institute has been selected to present at the prestigious EFATS (Electric Aircraft Propulsion) 2024 Workshop in Enschede, The Netherlands. He will be speaking alongside industry leaders such as Airbus UpNext, GKN Aerospace, NLR, Fokker, and RTX. Driven by Government Strategy, New Zealand is becoming a key player in the Advanced Aviation sector, recognized for its world-class research, commercial technology manufacturing, and strategic initiatives such as the Air New Zealand Sustainable Propulsion Development Centre and the Tāwhaki air and ground “Sandpit.” As a global leader in superconducting technologies, Rod will deliver a talk titled, "Cryogenic Electrification of Aviation: A Pan New Zealand Whole-of-System Perspective." Rod is excited to showcase New Zealand’s latest innovations in advanced aviation and superconductivity research. He also looks forward to bringing back valuable insights and connections that will further drive our research and development in these fields. Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to break new ground in superconductivity and aviation! #Superconductivity #AviationInnovation #Cryogenics #Research #NewZealand https://lnkd.in/g3J-Dbgf